The writings on the wall

After the month of Febraury are we as well versed in the history of Africans in the USA, their enslavement and subjugation, their resilience, their accomplishments, as we are in the history of European settlers and descendants?

Oh, wait.

We are still woefully behind in acknowledging the reality of white history as well.​I am so glad I have friends, colleagues, and acquaintances who, as people of color, have not given up on “educating Beverly.” While I am proactive in learning our whole history, and facing the present, to disentangle from my own racism, I am aware that I have blind spots to my benefits from white privilege. I need these willing neighbors to call me out.

They don’t have to. In many ways, they shouldn’t. Thankfully, they do! And it is not easy when they do. I get defensive, I admit. AND, I really try to stop talking and actually listen. Thankfully, my friends have been willing to wait with me to get on board.​Like a jazz band, that give and take, that listening and responding to the notes of the others, makes the music of life so much better!

I invite you to commit to a path of discovery and recovery from the racism that is the demon of our national inheritance. Love is the only One who can cast it out. Let’s love each other enough to transcend our dif-ferent skin tones in order to realize, and share in the creation of,​thebeloved community.